Everything You Need to Know About Choosing a 386 Computer
When you have software, media or documents that are saved onto a floppy disc, you may need to access it with a 386 computer. Vintage 386 computers allow you to gain access to data and files that a newer computer may not be able to access. On eBay, you can find a variety of affordable 386 computers with different features and capacities to meet your needs.
How do you choose a 386 computer for your home?When you are shopping for a 386 computer on eBay, consider the following characteristics:
- Brand: The brand options include Compaq, IBM, and IBI. There are also unbranded 386 computers available.
- Functionality: Some of these computers are usable for parts only, and others may be ready to use.
- System: Choose the computer only or a system that includes a keyboard, mouse, monitor, and other peripherals.
- Condition: There are used and manufacturers refurbished units available.
On eBay, you can find:
- Workstations: Workstation computers feature all-in-one designs that combine a monitor and computer in a single unit.
- Desktops: These units have a horizontal configuration and are paired with a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
- Portable units: The portable computers are similar to laptops, but they pair with docking stations.
The features of durable 386 computers on eBay include:
- Support-disc compatability: The operating system and software come on floppy discs.
- Input support: These computers support a VGA input for viewing output on a monitor.
- Expandability: You may be able to expand the memory or hard drive in the unit.
- Docking-station capability: The 386 laptop computers have a docking station for stationary use.
- Cache-memory access: This allows the computer to refer to information it has already used, which reduces the workload of the processor.
The tech specifications of affordable 386 computers on eBay include the following:
- Processor type and speed: There are single and dual-core processors with speeds of 16 to 24 mHz.
- Memory: The range is 8 MB to 24 MB of RAM.
- Hard-disk storage space: The range is 16 MB to 32 MB.
- Drives: The computers can have a 3.5-inch floppy-disk drive.
- Operating system: Usually one of the versions of MS-DOS.